| Yohimbe | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Corynanthe |
| Species: | C. johimbe |
| Binomial name | |
| Corynanthe johimbe K.Schum. | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Corynanthe johimbe, synonymPausinystalia johimbe, common nameyohimbe, is a plant species in the familyRubiaceae native to western and centralAfrica (Nigeria,Cabinda,Cameroon,Congo-Brazzaville,Gabon,Equatorial Guinea).[1]
Extracts from yohimbe have been used intraditional medicine in West Africa as anaphrodisiac, and have been marketed indeveloped countries asdietary supplements.[2][3] The extracts and supplements have no proven effectiveness and pose safety concerns due to variableyohimbine levels and potentialadverse effects, such ashypertension andinsomnia.[2][4]
According to Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online, the accepted name isCorynanthe johimbe K.Schum (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 3: 94, 1901) and it has the following recognised synonyms:
Homotypic:
Heterotypic:
In scientific papers generally (i.e. not just in specialist botanical literature) the usagePausinystalia johimbe is the most frequent, followed byPausinystalia yohimbe.[6]
Yohimbe is one of a number ofCorynantheevergreen species growing in West and Central Africa in lowland forests.[4][5] The tree grows about 30 m (98 ft) tall, with a straight bole that is rarely larger than 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in diameter. The bark is grey to reddish-brown, with longitudinal fissures, easy to peel and bitter-tasting. The inner bark is pinkish and fibrous. The sapwood is yellowish and the heartwood is ochre-yellow; the wood is fine-grained and relatively dense and moderately hard. The leaves grow in groups of three, with short (about 2 cm)petioles. The blades are oval-shaped, 11–47 cm long and 5–17 cm wide.[7]
The demand for yohimbe bark has led to over-exploitation, with the possibility of long-term threat tosustainability of the species.Cameroon is the biggest exporter.[7] Over-exploitation has led to concerns thatC. johimbe is becoming an endangered species.[8]
The wood and bark are used for firewood and construction.Bark – the most commercially important product – is used inextractions to maketinctures for traditional medicine and dietary supplements.[2][7]
The mainphytochemical in the extract is the indoloquinolizidinealkaloid yohimbine.[2][4] It also contains other alkaloids, such ascorynanthine andraubasine, with undefined properties, adding further to concerns about its safety.[2][3]
Extracts from yohimbe bark are used inWest African traditional medicine in the belief that it is aherbal tonic and aphrodisiac.[2][3]
Yohimbe bark and extract are used in manufactured dietary supplements, but there is inconclusive scientific evidence that they have an effect or are safe to use, as yohimbine levels may vary substantially among supplement products.[2][3][4] Yohimbe bark extract is insufficiently characterized for its properties, and is possibly unsafe to consume.[2][3][4]
Although proposed as a potential treatment forerectile dysfunction in humans, there are concerns about the safety of yohimbe and no good evidence for its effectiveness.[2][3][4]Adverse effects of using yohimbe, particularly in high doses, may include hypertension, increased heart rate, headache,nausea,tremors, and insomnia.[2][4]
Yohimbe products should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[4]